The Kadazan lass, who is studying for a Diploma in Accountancy, was announced the winner of the beauty pageant at about 7pm yesterday.

Coming in second place was Claryssa Henry, 23, a Rungus graduate from Kudat while another Rungus student from Banggi Fenny Ester Joslin, 21, was placed third.

The other four winners were Vinny Alvionitta Sasisting from Matunggong; Christine Joan Charles from Papar; Patriciaelsa Jimy from Klang Valley; and Charmine Bartholomew from Kepayan who won the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh places respectively.

Sherry Anne, who hails from Kampung Ramayah, aspires to become a chartered accountant, is proficient in English and Malay and spends her pastime cooking and baking.

She aspires to be successful and a role model to the younger generation. Claryssa is proficient in English, Malay and her mother tongue, Rungus. The UNIMAS marketing graduate just turned 23 last May 20 and wants to help in the preservation of Rungus culture.

Besides an avid reader, she has a passion for traditional dances and plays the guitar. Fenny is still pursuing a degree in Finance and hopes to venture into the business world.

She is also fluent in English, Malay and Rungus as well as enjoys traditional and contemporary dance. The Unduk Ngadau 2016 was crowned by last year’s Unduk Ngadau Ryannie Neils Yong.

All the finalists received their prizes from the wife of the Head of State, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, who was the guest of honour. – By Cleophas John Gordon